What causes gum disease?

1. Our mouth is full of bacteria.
2. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless "plaque" on teeth.
3. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque.
4. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form "calculus".
5. Brushing cannot clean “calculus”.
6. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist can remove calculus.

Gingivitis

1. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease.
2. If plaque and calculus stay on teeth for a long period they can lead to gum disease.
3. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums.
4. 1. Can it be rectified ?
      Yes, of course! It can be easily reversed with
   2. Daily Brushing.
   3. Flossing.
   4. Regular cleaning by a dentist.

Periodontitis

1. When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis" (which means "swelling around the tooth").
2. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces called "pockets" that become infected.
3. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
4. Bacterial toxins and the body's natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.
5. If not treated, the bone, gums, and tissues that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Risk Factors

1. Smoking : Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum diseases. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of successful treatment.
2. Hormonal changes in girls/women : These changes can make gums more sensitive. That in turn and makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.
3. Diabetes : People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing infections, including gum diseases.
4. Other illnesses : Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatment can also negatively affect the health of gums.
5. Medications : Some medicine can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections such as gum diseases. And some medicines can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue.
6. Genetic susceptibility : Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Symptoms of gum disease include:

1. Bad breath.
2. Red or swollen gums.
3. Tender or bleeding gums.
4. Pain on chewing.
5. Loose teeth.
6. Sensitive teeth.
7. Receding gums.

Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be treated immediately by a dentist.

How is gum disease treated?

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease.

Deep Cleaning

1. The scale and root planning is one of the most important treatments which helps to fight against gum disease.
2. Scaling means scraping off the calculus from above and below the gum line.
3. Root planning gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather.
4. This treatment helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.

Surgical Treatments

Flap Surgery

1. Surgery might be necessary if inflammation and deep pockets persist even after deep cleaning and medications. This surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the calculus.
2. The gums are then sutured back in place.
3. After surgery the gums will heal and fit more tightly around the tooth.

Bone and Tissue Grafts

1. In this, natural or synthetic bone is placed in the area of bone loss. This can help promote bone growth.
2. If gum tissue has been lost, the dentist may suggest a soft tissue graft.
3. This synthetic material or tissue is taken from another area of your mouth.
4. That is used to cover exposed tooth roots.